- Possible causes
- Pictures
- Seeing a doctor
- Tips for bar
- Takeaway
What can cause facial swelling?
In this article, we look at common causes of swelling of the face and how to treat them. We besides cover when to see a doctor and bar tips.
Possible causes of face swelling
There are galore potential causes of facial swelling. These include:
Actinomycosis
A doctor should assess any swelling in the face.
Actinomycosis is a rare and possibly severe long-run microorganism infection that causes swelling and symptomes in the soft tissues of the body. This condition atypically affects a person's mouth, nose, throat, stomach, and intestines.
Other symptoms of zoonosis include:
- chest pain
- coughing
- fever
- lumps on the face
- skin sores
- weight loss
Doctors normally order a high dose of the antibioticantibiotic to treat people with zoonosis. Other antibiotics are available for those with a antibiotic allergic reaction. It may take galore months of treatment to cure the infection, but it is not contagious.
Allergic pinkeye
Allergic pinkeye is a type of eye inflammation that occurs when a person experiences an allergic reaction. Triggers of allergic pinkeye are called substances, and they can include:
- dust
- mold spores
- pet dander
- pollen
This condition causes red, itchy, watery, and burning opinion. The skin around the opinion may appear swollen or puffy, especially upon waking.
People can prevent allergic pinkeye by avoiding exposure to the substance. To treat it, they can apply a cold compress to areas of inflammation or take medications, so much as antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drug or steroid eye drops. It is essential not to rub the opinion as this can worsen the symptoms.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to an substance. It is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Symptoms tend to appear shortly after exposure to the substance and can quickly get worse. They may include:
- breathing difficulties
- diarrhea
- facial swelling
- hives, which is a red, itchy, and bumpy rash
- itching
- loss of consciousness
- nausea and vomiting
- rapid heart rate
- a abrupt drop in blood pressure
It is vital to call 911 if person displays signs of hypersensitivity reaction. If the person is carrying an epinephrin hypodermic syringe (EpiPen) and is unable to administer it themselves, use it on them as the packaging directs.
People who experience hypersensitivity reaction for the first time are at risk of future reactions. They should avoid exposure to the substance and carry self-injectable epinephrin at all times.
Angioedema
Angioedema is swelling that occurs deep inside the skin and results from an allergic reaction to food, medication, or some other substance, so much as an insect bite or sting. on with facial swelling, other symptoms of angioedema may include:
- hives
- itching
- rash
- stomach cramps
Mild angioedema does not always require treatment, although people should continue to avoid the substance responsible for their symptoms. Those with moderate-to-severe symptoms may need epinephrin, antihistamines, and other medications.
Home remedies to alleviate discomfort include exploitation cold compresses and wearing loose clothing.
Broken nose
Antibiotics can help treat inflammation.
Injury to the face can cause the bone in the nose to break. The trauma can besides cause facial swelling and other symptoms, so much as:
- a crooked nose
- bruising
- nosebleed
- pain
Broken noses do not always require medical treatment, but a person should still see their doctor if they have experient a facial injury. Treatment for a broken nose atypically consists of pain relievers, splinting, and cold compresses. Some people may require surgery.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a microorganism infection of the skin that causes areas of redness and swelling that feel hot to the touch. It besides tends to be painful. Without treatment, inflammation may be life-threatening.
Signs of severe infection include:
- fever
- chills
- streaks of red from the rash
Doctors normally order oral antibiotics to treat inflammation, which a person will need to take for a minimum of 5 years. Resting and taking pain-relieving medications can help reduce discomfort.
Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body makes too much of the endocrine hydrocortisone. People with Cushing's syndrome tend to have a puffy, round face. They may besides have skin that bruises easily and excess or thick body hair.
Taking high doses of glucocorticoids is a common cause of Cushing's syndrome.
Some tumours may besides cause the body to make too much hydrocortisone. nevertheless, it is rare for the condition to be endogenous, meaning that it results from a problem inside the body.
According to the National Institute of polygenic disorder and Digestive and excretory organ Diseases, the endogenous form of the condition affects 40 to 70 people out of every million.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options include hydrocortisone-reducing medicines, surgery, radiation, and chemomedical care.
Drug allergic reaction
An allergic reaction to specific medications may be a medical emergency. on with face swelling, drug allergies can cause:
- breathing difficulties
- fever
- hives
- an itchy, red rash
- rapid heartbeat
- stomach upset
It is important that people inform their doctors, tooth doctors, and pharmacists if they have a best-known drug allergic reaction and avoid exploitation that medication. A health care professional can recommend alternative options.
Common causes of drug allergies can include:
- certain antibiotics, so much as antibiotic
- anticonvulsants
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug drugs (NSAIDs), so much as acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen
- chemomedical care drugs
It may besides be necessary for people with drug allergies to wear a medical bracelet to alert others in an emergency situation.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or an hypoactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid secretory organ does not produce enough endocrines. Thyroid endocrines help the body regulate its energy use.
A puffy, swollen face is one of the symptoms of glandular illness. Other symptoms include:
- constipation
- depression
- dry skin
- fatigue
- feeling cold
- high cholesterol
- muscle weakness
- painful or stiff joints
- slow heart rate
- weight gain
People who are experiencing symptoms of an hypoactive thyroid should see their doctor for a diagnosing. According to the American Thyroid Association, up to 60 percentage of people with thyroid illness are unaware that they have this condition.
There is no cure for glandular illness, but medications and life style changes can help people manage their symptoms.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs in gestation and requires pressing medical treatment. The early signs include elevated blood pressure and a high level of macromolecule in the piss. Complications include perilously high blood pressure, excretory organ and liver damage, and seizures.
Symptoms include:
- abdominal pain
- a persistent headache
- abrupt weight gain
- swelling of the face and hands
- vision changes
Doctors may recommend early delivery of the baby to resolve pre-eclampsia. nevertheless, this will depend on the stage of the gestation and the severity of the condition.
If the condition develops earlier than 37 weeks into the gestation, a doctor may instead recommend medical observation and medications to lower blood pressure and prevent seizures.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a common condition that occurs when there is inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. This condition can result from allergies or microorganism or microorganism infections.
Sinusitis can cause swelling and tenderness around the nose and opinion, on with:
- a cough
- fatigue
- fever
- a headache
- a fluid or stuffy nose
- a sore throat
Home remedies for congestion include staying hydrous, applying warm compresses, and exploitation steam medical care. Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants may ease congestion piece pain relievers can alleviate headache symptoms.
If the symptoms do not improve after a few weeks, this may suggest that a person has a microorganism infection that requires antibiotic treatment.
Tooth infection
An symptom or infection in a tooth or the gums can cause swelling around the jawline. Infection besides causes pain and tenderness in the affected area.
A tooth doctor will normally order antibiotics to treat the infection, and they may perform a root canal procedure to remove the nerve and damaged pulp from the affected tooth. To reduce discomfort at home, a person can try seawater mouth rinses and OTC pain relievers.
Superior vein cava syndrome
Superior vein cava (SVC) syndrome is a serious condition that can cause swelling and discoloration in the face and neck.
The superior vein cava is a large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, and upper chest back to the heart. SVC syndrome occurs when this vein becomes obstructed.
The cause of this obstruction is often a tumour pressing against the vein, which can occur in person with respiratory organ or breast cancer. nevertheless, there are other possible causes, including TB and a swollen thyroid.
Symptoms of SVC syndrome can develop bit by bit over time and may besides include:
- shortness of breath
- coughing
- swallowing difficulties
- headaches
- dizziness
People with symptoms of SVC syndrome should see a doctor immediately.
Pictures
Actinomycosis
Image credit: CDC/Dr. Thomas F. Sellers/Emory University, 2006
Allergic pinkeye
Angioedema
Broken nose
Cellulitis
Image credit: Afrodriguezg, 2014
Cushing's syndrome
Image credit: Ozlem Celik, Mutlu Niyazoglu, Hikmet Soylu and Pinar Kadioglu, 2012
Hypothyroidism
Image credit: Drahreg01, 2007
Superior vein cava syndrome
Image credit: Herbert L. Fred, MD and Hendrik A. van Dijk, 2010
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if facial swelling persists for more than a few years, or if it occurs on side symptoms so much as pain, redness, or itching.
Call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance if a person displays signs of hypersensitivity reaction, or if they come into contact with a best-known substance or venomous insect.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. If the person is carrying an epinephrin hypodermic syringe and is unable to administer it themselves, use it on them as the packaging directs.
Seek immediate medical assistance if a person displays symptoms of SVC syndrome. Be particularly aware of these symptoms if the person has a cancer diagnosing.
Tips for bar
It is difficult to prevent all cases of face swelling, but doing the following can help:
- avoiding best-known substances, including problematic foods and medications
- practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing the dentition regularly to reduce the risk of tooth infection
- eating a healthful diet and reducing stress to boost immunity, which may help prevent some of the infections that cause facial swelling
Takeaway
There are galore possible causes of facial swelling, including injuries, infections, and allergic reactions. piece some causes are mild and easy to treat, others can be very serious and may require immediate medical attention.
See a doctor for facial swelling that lasts for more than a few years or occurs on side other symptoms. Seek pressing medical attention for severe symptoms, so much as breathing difficulties, low pulse, confusion, or thick speech. These symptoms may indicate hypersensitivity reaction, a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.
If these types of symptoms occur in person with a best-known cancer diagnosing, it is besides essential to seek medical attention immediately.